The Horrific Effectiveness of Flamethrowers | RealClearDefense

Flame throwers which were hand held and those which were fired from modified armored vehicles inflicted terror on enemies shortly before they were turned into crispy critters Sgt Joe LaBranche

The flame thrower was replaced not outlawed. They were dangerous to operate. In the USMC, they were replaced by the four rocket M202A1 Flame Assault Shoulder-fired Weapon (FLASH). We carried FLASH simulators in TBS and IOC in 82-83. The warhead was a chemical combustible based on metal, I believe it was magnesium or aluminum. It would burn at over 1000 degrees. Even though we trained with them we were told that we would not see the FLASH in the fleet. The next generation replacement was on the way. The replacement if it ever showed up, took more than 11 years.

Rumor had it, the FLASH had a habit of detonating about 2m downrange but the ECR was about 10m. Or if all four rockets were fired simultaneously, (bunker busting mode) there was a high risk that the rockets would not disengage from the canister. The weapon would separate the shoulder or break the arm of the operator before he could let go.

I believe thermo-baric weapons are still used today, Napalm and Fuel Air Explosives (FAE). There just isn't an infantry weapon that kills with heat/flame.

Beats the heck out of my contractors torch.......!